By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Resolution expected soon in alleged child abuse case

Jan 19, 2018 | 10:31 AM

LETHBRIDGE – A resolution is likely coming soon for a 32-year-old Lethbridge man, facing accusations of child abuse.

The man – who cannot be named to protect the identity of the two-year-old child – is accused of assault causing bodily harm and failing to provide the necessaries of life. The child’s 26-year-old mother also faces charges of assault and failing to provide the necessaries of life, and is due back in court later this month.

During an appearance in court Friday morning, Jan. 19, Crown prosecutor Darwyn Ross told the court that they “expect resolution on that shortly”, referring to the charges against the male accused.

Defence lawyer Vincent Guinan explained that they still need to review a 72-page medical report before they can proceed, and the case was adjourned to Feb. 2.

That followed the collapse of a Conditional Sentence Order – or house arrest – after the defence admitted to a breach of conditions, for failing to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He will now have to serve 30 days in jail for that offence. A 60-day CSO was imposed on Sept. 1, 2017, followed by one year of probation, after the man admitted to charges of mischief and uttering threats, in relation to an incident on May 20, 2017.

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The child abuse allegations stem from an anonymous tip that came in to the Lethbridge Police Service on Sept. 21, 2017, which indicated a two-year-old child may be in danger.

Police immediately conducted a welfare check with the assistance of Child and Family Services. They say the boy had visible injuries to his face and neck, and a further examination at the Chinook Regional Hospital revealed injuries all over his body.

The child’s mother said he had fallen, but medical staff determined the injuries were not consistent with a fall.